\ 


mam. 


I 


The  undersigned  Author,  respectfully  invites  the  patriotic  sentiments 
of  his  fellow  citizens,  to  the  investigation  of  the  following  discourses  : 

Influence. 

Influence  is  a  spiritual  element,  especially  inherent  in  the  wealthy  and  prominent  class  of 
citizens.  The  great  importance  of  this  element  and  the  nature  of  the  same,  is  in  general 
neither  known  nor  appreciated  by  the  people  but  is  a  secret.  In  its  operation,  influence  is 
dependent  on  the  degree  of  enlightenment  which  is  inherent  in  the  people,  and  on  the  moral 
character  of  the  same. 

Is  the  general  character  of  a  Nation  elevated,  noble  and  good,  then  the  influence  of  the 
wealthy  and  prominent  class  of  citizens  is  beneficial1  to  the  society,  as  a  noble  and  elevated 
character  is  independent,  and  not  to  be  approached  by  an  improper  influence.  But  on  the 
other  side,  when  a  people,  notwithstanding  its  education  for  intelligence,  is  left  more  or  less 
in  ignorance  on  the  bearings  of  its  own  interest,  and  further,  when  by  public  and  private  edu- 
cation, its  national  character  is  left  in  a  defect  state,  or  has  become  degraded  in  such  a  man- 
ner, as  being  selfish,  unconscious,  vicious,  indifferent,  hypocritic,  merchantable,  etc.,  when 
people  are  capable  to  perform  good  as  well  as  evil  deeds  with  the  same  alacrity,  and  are 
merely  governed  by  self  interest,  then  a  Nation  is  not  only  in  an  unhappy  and  dangerous 
situation,  but  is  also  engaged  in  an  expensive  and  destructive  life,  which,  by  the  course  of 
nature,  is  bound  to  letd  into  the  chains  of  dependency,  which  chains  are  held  in  the  hands  of 
wealthy  and  influential  citizens,  and  which  may  be  drawn  on  or  be  loosened  at  pleasure. 

It  is  very  natural  that  a  man's  mind  is  filled  with  reverence  and  trust  towards  the  elevated, 
strong  and  powerful  of  his  sex ;  it  is  natural  that  a  man  is  inclined  to  imitate  the  example  of 
these,  to  adopt  their  opinion,  and  to  go  with  them.  This  is  not  all,  the  said  class,  in  the 
strength  of  their  elevated  position,  and  in  the  support  it  enjoys  by  its  hangers  on,  is  able  to 
patronize  the  people  in  innumerable  cases  and  respects,  is  able  to  give  employment,  work 
and  position,  to  recommend  and  to  promote,  to  elevate  a  man  from  obscurity,  introduce  him 
in  a  large  circle,  to  give  him  reputation  and  to  make  him  wealthy,  or  even  raise  him  to  a 
throne.  On  the  other  side,  the  influential  citizens  have  the  power  to  strike  terror  into  the 
minds  of  such  displeasing  persons,  who  have  failed  to  oblige  them  by  assenting  to  their  views, 
wishes  and  wills,  they  are  able  to  withhold  or  to  distract  such  favors  as  they  are  competent 
to  bestow.  A  man  once  drawn  from  obscurity,  placed  in  position,  given  wealth,  or  even  if 
raised  to  a  throne,  is  liable,  by  combined  influence,  and  by  the  aid  of  countless  numbers  of 
hangers  on  and  mouth  pieces,  to  be  consigned  again  to  obscurity  and  oblivion,  and  he  is  bound 
to  succumb,  notwithstanding  his  honesty  or  capability. 

Influence,  according  to  its  appearance,  either  in  its  enlightened  and  pure,  or  in  its  raw  and 
impure  state,  is  able  to  promote  ideas,  or  to  ignore  and  to  oppress  the  same.  Influence  is 
competent  to  dispose  of  the  good  will  of  public  speakers,  and  public  writers,  and  to  make 
them  their  harbingers  and  mouth  pieces.  It  is  in  the  competency  of  the  influence  to  create, 
shape,  and  to  control  public  opinions,  public  enlightenment,  and  public  education,  or  on  the 
other  side,  public  error,  ignorance,  prejudice  and  habits.  The  power  of  influence  is  able  to 
create  patriotism,  enthusiasm,  public  attention  and  excitement,  and  also  indifferentism, 
silence  or  fanati.sm.  Influence,  either  in  its  pure  or  impure  state,  may  cause  the  passage  of 
resolutions  in  councils,  may  inaugurate  national  movements,  national  prosperity  or  national 
difficulties  and  blunders,  wars  or  peace ;  may  cause  life  or  death  to  ideas  and  principles. 

he  power  of  influence,  either  in  its  meritorious  or  in  its  disastrous  existence,  bears  in 
every  direction  on  life  and  on  every  man,  it  likewise  has  a  bearing  on  a  whole  Nation,  on  a 
State,  or  on  a  community.  Influence  is  able  to  control  the  nominations  for  officers,  in  all 
public  stations,  may  cause  the  nominees  to  be  elected  and  to  control  their  future  actions.  In 
a  word,  influence  is  a  power  behind  the  throne.  Influence  does  not  bear  improperly  on  true 
honesty  and  patriotism,  wherefore,  true,  honest  and  patriotic  citizens  are  to  be  found  in  all 
classes,  stations,  corporations  and  institutions,  but  it  bears  on  the  imperfection  and  weakness 
of  human  nature. 

The  power  of  influence  is  concerted  on  one  and  the  same  point,  all  the  world  over,  say  in 
the  promotion  of  personal  self-interest.  When  the  influential  class  every  where,  always  had 
considered,  the  general  happiness  and  prosperity,  as  its  own  true  interest,  (as  it  actually  and 
e.vliisivrly  is,)  then  general  prosperity,  as  well  as  nobility  and  elevatedness,  of  the  National 
character,  would  exist  to  a  much  lighter  degree  in  all  Nations.  But  we  may  ask,  has  the 
influence  always  taken  avail  of  the  resources  of  the  Nations,  in  order  to  promote  universal 
prosperity  and  happiness  in  the  Nations?  Are  the  National  taxes,  levied  according  to  such 
sound,  just  and  correct  principles,  that  every  citizen  pays  the  same  amount  of  taxes,  in  con- 
formity with  the  real  value  of  his  property,  and  are  the  middle  and  poorer  classes  in  respect 


.TV\  a. 


[     4.     J  .        • 

to  taxation,  not  wronged  and  oppressed,  in  a  fearful  degree,  by  the  ruling  of  erroneous  and 
sophistic  principles?  Has  the  public  education  been  a  powerful  source  of  private  and  public 
happiness?  Is  the  majority  of  the  people  blessed  with  the  knowledge  of  the  philosophy  of 
honesty,  virtue,  wisdom,  morality,  liberty,  patriotism,  and  good  habits?  and  on  the  other  side,  is 
the  majority  of  the  people  penetrated  from  the  knowledge  of  the  philosophy  of  dishonesty,  igno- 
rance, vices,  selfishness,  immorality,  bad  habits,  etc.?  Is  the  people  penetrated  from  the 
knowledge  of  these  different  philosophies,  in  such  a  degree  as  to  have  become  inspired  for 
the  first,  and  for  the  despication  of  the  latter,  and  in  such  a  manner  as  to  cause  the  existence 
of  an  elevated  and  noble  National  character  ?  Has  the  public  education  been  in  that  way, 
as  to  cause  the  Nations  to  consist  put  of  freemen,  not  wearing  the  contemptable  chains  of 
legal  dependency  of  patrons,  growing  out  of  a  foolish,  wrong,  prodigal  and  vicious  life  ? 

Has  the  public  Newspaper  press  been  properly  influenced  in  that  way,  as  being  free  from 
the  chains  of  impure  impulses,  has  the  said  press  been  influenced  in  such  a  manner,  as  having 
been  induced,  long  ago,  properly  to  enlighten  a  people  on  the  bearings  of  its  most  important 
interests  in  political  and  social  relations?  for  instance,  has  the  press  caused  a  general  knowl- 
edge and  clearness  about  the  condition  of  the  National  property,  and  the  enormous  value  of 
the  same  ?  Has  it  been  made  clear  to  the  people,  that  by  levying  an  insignificant  percentage 
of  taxes  on  the  real  amount  of  private  property,  all  public  expenditures  could  be  defrayed. 
Has,  in  respect  to  this  particular  subject,  the  Newspaper  press  been  inspired  by  the  influen- 
tial power  to  promote  the  election  ot  such  Legislators  as  are  taking  a  lively  interest  in  this 
important  matter?  Is  the  public  press  in  such  a  way  as  to  have  enlightened  the  people  on 
principles  which  should  have  been  adopted,  in  Public  Institutions,  for  the  education  of  a  good 
and  noble  National  character? 

Are  the  Courts  in  that  way,  as  to  enable*  a  poor  man  to  establish  his  rights,  and  to  protect 
his  property  in  the  same  degree  as  wealthy  citizens  are  enabled  to  do  ?  Is  there  no  arbitrary 
power  in  the  Courts,  to  assume  jurisdiction  in  such  cases,  (perhaps  not  properly  defended) 
on  which  the  Legislature  did  not  properly  act,  to  the  effect  as  to  injure  the  moral  right? 
Is  it  the  fixed  rule  of  the  courts  always  to  start  from  the  principle,  that  the  people  never  in- 
tended to  commit  any  moral  wrong  by  way  of  construing  the  words  of  a  law  ?  Are  such 
citizens  elected  for  judges,  as  are  patriotic  and  conscious  enough  to  enlighten  the  people  in 
important  cases,  on  points  of  public  laws,  before  mischief  is  done,  and  law  suits  instituted? 
or  to  enlighten  parties  on  steps  erroneously  taken  by  them,  and  on  account  of  which  their 
suits  will  be  lost?  * 

Influence  is  an  attribute  to  mankind,  like  love,  virtue,  &c.,  only  the  misuse  of  the  same  is 
distructive.  There  is  no  doubt  that  most  important  ruling  principles  are  based  on  such  errors 
and  sophism  which  are  exclusively  in  the  favor  of  the  influential  clasps,  either  directly  or  in- 
directly. At  the  time  when  these  false  foundations  are  removed,  then  the  influential  class  of 
citizens,  will  have  the  greatest  interest  in  the  promotion  of  universal  prosperity  and  happiness, 
and  in  this  event  a  Nation  will  be  relieved  from  the  threatening  prospect  of  a  universal  ruin 
and  anarchy,  a  nation  will  be  relieved  from  the  prospect  of  events,  which  are  not  to  be  gov- 
erned nor  controlled  by  any  human  power.  Therefore,  the  influential  class  of  citizens  should 
not  delay  for  a  single  moment,  to  do  the  first  step  towards  a  fundamental  reformation  ol  de- 
fective ruling  principles. 

Taxation. 

It  would  appear,  that  the  public  opinion  on  those  principles,  on  which  the  collection  of 
the  public  expenditures  are  based,  has  never  been  clear.  It  appears  that  the  people  never 
did  clearly  understand,  what  an  enormous  wrong  has  been  done,  to  the  majority  of  the  peo- 
ple in  all  nations,  by  the  circumstance,  that  the  great  capitalists  have  constantly  been  allow- 
ed to  escape  the  payment  of  their  fair  share  to  the  contribution  of  the  public  expenditures  ; 
they  did  not  pay  their  contribution  in  proportion  6f  the  true  amount  of  property  they  own, 
and  which  they  have  acquired  from  the  resources  of  the  society,  and  which  is  protected  to 
them  by  the  Nation,  at  the  great  expense  of  life  and  property  of  the  majority. 

The  people  in  its  simplicity  and  thoughtlessness,  generally  takes  the  view,  that  it  would  be 
impossible  to  find  out  a  method  which  could  make  the  people,  and  especially  the  wealthy 
class,  showing  up  the  true  amount  of  their  property,  and  especially  the  amount  of  cash  money, 
and  further,  that  in  consequence  of  this  circumstance,  a  distinction  has  to  be  made  between 
taxable  and  not  taxable  property.  This  public  view  had  the  consequence, " that  by  far  the 
greatest  part  of  private  property,  chiefly  in  possession  of  the  wealthy  class,  has  escaped  tax- 
ation at  all,  by  which  the  rate  of  per  centage  on  the  so  called  taxable  property,  chiefly  in  the 
hands  of  the  middle  class  of  citizens,  was  bound  to  increase.  Under  cover  of  this  erroneous 
public  opinion,  the  wealthy  classes  actually  have  taken  advantage  over  the  middle  and  poor- 
er classes,  and  under  different  sophistic  principles ;  ruinous  burdens  have  been  loaded  on  the 
shoulders  of  the  latter. 

The  groaning  people,  hardened  by  customs,  and  influenced  by  the  silence  of  the  press, 
have  not  been  led  to  give  the  matter  a  proper  thought,  everybody  seems  to  prefer  rather  to 
pay  his  quota  than  to  discuss  this  displeasing  question,  whilst  the  public  attention,  is  constant- 
ly absorbed  by  the  papers  on  other  political  affairs  of  minor  importance. 

The  amount  of  cash  money  and  other  private  property,  presently  not  paying  taxes,  may 
exceed  the  amount  of  property  presently  assessed,  perhaps  in  billions  of  dollars.  The  peo- 
ple believe  that  such  property  cannot  be  made  taxable.  But  will  this  supposition  hold  good  ? 
Is  it  to  bo  taken  for  granted,  that  a  material  property,  being  in  the  possession  of  citizens, 
cannot  be  discovered  and  be  taxed?  Will  it  hold  good  in  face  of  the  presence  of  so  many 
ways  and  means,  to  penetrate  in  the  affairs  of  the  people  when  it  is  sternly  demanded  by  the 


I     6,     1 

public  good?     Will  it  hold  good,  in  the  face  of  those  sagacious  laws,  which  are  in  operation, 
.Mid  governing  the  collection  of  the  so  called  Custom  House  duties?     Why  could  the  desired 
r  not  simply  l>e    reaehed  by  giving  a  suitable  law,  ordaining  the  keeping  of  books,  and 
by  imp.ising  fine's  and  confiscation  in  case  of  fraud? 

The  correct  amount  of  the  private  property  of  the  United  States  cannot  be  known,  but 
when  the  figures  Lriven  by  a  prominent  public,  officer  are  correct,  then  this  property  would 
amount  to  more  than  twenty  billions  of  dollars.  Now,  if  so  (and  why  should  it  be  doubted 
in  the  presence  of  the  billions  of  dollars  in  cash,  and  of  the  gold  and  silver  bars,  by  the 
enormous  capital  invested  in  stocks  and  corporations,  and  by  the  presence  of  other  valuable 
property?)  then  merely  (l-lfi)  one-sixteenth  of  one  per  cent  of  this  sum.  would  amount  to 
£12,  SOO  million  of  dollars,  which  would  be  more  than  requisite,  to  pay  off  in  one  year  the 
whole  National  debr.  together  with  all  expenditures  of  the  loyal  as  well  as  of  the  rebellious 
Miblic  statements,  the  National  debt  amounts  to  .>ti40,()00,fl()0,  and  the 

expenditures   for  th^  present  year  for  the   loyal  States,  amounts  to  $1096  millions,  together 
merely  the  sum  of  S177">  millions.     One-sixteenth  of  one    per  cent,  or  even  if  it  bad   to  be  a 
fall  one  per   cent,  is  s«  insignificant  a  sum,  as  cannot  be   felt  neither  by  any  millionaire,  by 
;;iit:i!ist.  nor  by  anv  other  wealthy  or  poor  citi/.-n. 

Why  a  strict  property 'tax  has  never  been  resorted  to,  remains  to  be  accounted  for,  but  it 
i"  a  fact,  that  it  is  the  only  just,  and  correct  method,  even  by  the  present  lamentable  mode  of 
nent.  It  is  a  fact,  that  when  even  the  private  property  of  the  United  States  only 
amounted  to  2  billions,  (instead  of  20  billions,  as  it  is  told  to  us,)  one  half  of 
one  per  cent  of  this  sum.  would  amount  to  .*'2,000  millions,  by  far  greater  an  amount 
than  ever  would  be  necessary  to  defray  all  public  expenditures,  both  for  the  United  States 
Government,  as  well  as  for  State,  County  and  City  taxes,  and  for  the  payment  of  the 
public  debt. 

At  the  present  time  the  clemency  of  the  people  has  been  called  upon  to  contribute  to  the 
fund  for  the  relief  of  wounded  and  sick  soldiers,  whilst  a  property  tax  of  only  one  cent  on 
every  hundred  dollars,  would  be  more  than  sufficient  to  defray  all  expenses,  and  to  give  aid 
and  comfort  to  the  poor  soldiers  for  life.  This  is  a  fixed  fact,  even  in  the  case  that  the 
amount  of  the  private  property  of  the  United  States,  would  only  amount  to  one  billion,  in- 
stead of  20  billions  of  dollars. 

In  order  to  show  the  erroneousness  of  the  prevailing  principles,  which  are  governing -tax- 
ation in  the  United  States,  a  brief  illustrating  of  the  following  facts  will  suffice. 

In  the  United  States  the  people  have  to  pay  the  so  called  Custom  House  duties.  By  a 
closer  examination  it  will  be  found,  that  the  duties  constitute  an  exorbitant  tax  on  the  pre- 
sumptive existance  of  property,  it  appears  to  be  held,  that  those  citizens  who  are  consum- 
ing the  different  objects  and  articles,  burthened  with  these  so  called  duties,  are  also  the  own- 
ers of  so  much  property,  on  which  the  tax  is  due,  beside  other  taxations:  it  appears  to  be 
held,  that  the  wants  of 'natural  life,  the  living  according  to  customs,  habits,  ideas,  prejudices 
and  vices,  are  proper  actions  from  which  taxes  could  be  collected,  and  uniform  taxes  too  ! 

Licenses,  poll  tax,  stamp  tax,  exei-es,  and  the  whole  batch  of  indirect  taxes,  are  of  the 
same  stamp,  they  are  payments  cm  ,  rt-nfunl  and  anticipated  property,  taxes  on  mental  and 
physical  abilities,  and  on  the  right  of  labor. 

Upon  proper  r>-f)ccti«>n,  there  can  '>••  DO  doubt  at  all,  that  the  taxation  of  mental  and  physi- 
caJ  abilities,  or  of  habits  am'  :  the  wants  of  natural  life,  or  the  performance  of  la- 

oor,  is  completely  wrong  and  unjustifiable.  Will  ouv  descendants  not  look  upon  our  present 
intelligent  time  with  astonishment  and  disdain,  when  the  history  shows  them  its  lamentabili- 
ties  or  its  wickeit 

The  .  principles  of  taxation,  has  caused  the  absorbation  of  property 

from  the  property  of  the  different  classes  of  the  people,  except  the  property  of  the  rich 
millionaire,  to  an 'enormous  amount,  in  the  course  of  years:  which  property  should  have  re- 
mained in  the  bulk  of  the  people.  This  unjust  extraction  of  wealth,  from  the  masses  of  the 
people,  is  the  more  ruinous,  as  the  profits' which  could  have  been  made  by  the  use  of  the 
money,  and  the  interest  on  the  smiie.  Is  in  be  brought  in  calculation. 

It  is  not  known  by  the  people,  that  this  absorbation  of  property  of  the  masses,  effected  in 
the  course  of  time',  has  caused  a  quite  reduced  state  of  public  prosperity,  and  a  reduced 
state  of  means,  to  carry  on  business  and  trade.  It  is  not  considered  in  what  high  degree  it 
has  lessened  the  consumption  of  merchandise,  articles  of  manufacture,  and  articles  of. com- 
fort, and  how  fearfully  it  diminished  commerce,  and  all  sources  of  gain.  It  is  not  apprecja- 
ted  how  much  the  inheritances  have  fallen  off,  and  in  what  fearful  degree  the  downward 
tendency  (,f  the  families  has  ensued  :  it  is  not  appreciated  that  the  fearful  competition  exist- 
ing in  every  kind  of  vocation,  is  attributable  to  the  state  of  necessity  and  want  in  the  major- 
ity of  the  people.  People  are  moving  from  one  place  to  another,  without  knowing  where 
to  make  a  livelihood. 

The  present  mode  of  taxation  is  rather  an  inheritance  from  our  ancestors,  and  is  by  far 
more  lenient  in  the  CJnil  Cation  else.  The  taxes  have  been  inaugurated 

by  the  repivs'-ntaTlves  of  the  people,  and  hi  conformity  with  the  public  enlightenment,  they 
have  been  duly  accepted  and  paid  by  the  people,  without  any  protest  whatever,  wherefore 
the  present  status  quo  is  quite  a  natural  and  legal  one,  eminated  from  the  imperfection  and 
weakness  of  mankind.  But  it  is  an  imperative  duty  of  every  citi/en,  to  battle  against  all 
public  injuries,  and  to  endeavor  to  bring  about,  wise  reformations  without  personal  arrogance. 

The  present  system  of  assessment  appears  as  not  to  have  undergone  any  improvement  in 
the  course  of  years,  it  would  seem  that  this  system  is  defective  in  its  foundation,  and  that  a 
well  organized  system  of  self  assessment,  eventually  combined  with  the  confiscation  of  prop- 


[     6.     ] 

erty,  would  have  the  effect,  that  10, 15,  or  20  cents  to  one  hundred  dollars  property,  would 
suffice  to  cover  all  the  ordinary  expenditures  of  the  Federal,  as  well  as  of  the  home  govern- 
ment. 

IPriblic  Education. 

The  public  education  in  our  time,  is  partly  a  brilliant  success,  and  partly  a  sad  failure.  It 
is  a  success  in  respect  to  the  purpose  of  promoting  public  intelligence,  and  scientific  learn- 
ing ;  and  a  failure  in  respect  to  the  promotion  of  human  enlightedness,  and  of  a  wise,  virtu- 
ous, dutiful,  honest  and  patriotic  life. 

Human  mind  is  like  a  good  soil,  able  to  bear  the  choicest  fruits,  when  properly  cultivated 
and  sown,  but  when  merely  cultivated  and  not  properly  sown,  or  not  sown  at  all,  weeds  of 
every  description  will  grow  upon  the  same.  Now  the  cultivation  of  the  people's  mind,  is 
the  public  education  for  intelligence  and  scientific  learning,  that  is  to  say  for  the  acquiration 
of  the  ability  to  think  and  act  correctly,  for  the  purpose  to  acquire  physical  comfort.  The 
proper  sowing  of  the  field,  signifies  the  public  instruction  for  the  promotion  of  private  and 
public  happiness.  The  weed  in  the  field,  signifies  the  selfishness,  sinliuess,  and  brutality  in 
its  various  appearance,  and  in  its  growing,  overgrowing  and  destroying  nature. 

The  proof  that  the  public  education  in  our  time,  in  respect  to  the  promotion  of  a  noble 
national  character,  has  been  a  failure,  is  contained  in  the  fact,  that  in  general  everywhere, 
and  in  every  country,  selfishness,  dishonesty,  corruption,  viciousness,  hypocrisy,  ignorance 
and  dependency  on  favors,  are  the  proclivities  of  the  people.  Indeed  the  general  decay  of 
the  national  character,  is  so  alarming  as  to  threaten  a  severing  of  the  social  ties. 

The  continuance  of  this  state  of  national  condition,  is  bound  by  nature,  to  lead  more  and 
more  in  urihappiness,  brutality,  dependency  of  the  irresponsible  and  arbitrary  power  of  in- 
fluence, and  in  retroaction  in  the  doom  of  a  worm  eaten  national  body. 

The  way  to  save  a  nation  from  anarchy  and  destruction,  is  to  civilize  the  people,  to  pro- 
mote and  to  elevate  the  national  character,  to  promote  general  happiness,  prosperity,  humani- 
ty and  public  safety,  to  make  a  people  more  wise,  virtuous,  dutiful,  honest,  moral  and  patri- 
otic, or  perfect  aristocratic  in  the  proper  sense  of  the  word. 

The  question  in  what  manner  this  is  to  be  effected,  is  an  open  one,  but  involves  a  problem, 
which  (in  particular)  is  to  be  realized  by  public  instruction. 

This  problem  consists  in  the  first  place  in  the  disclosure  of  those  spiritual  treasures,  gained 
to  mankind  by  the  efforts  of  wise  and  elevated  men,  living  in  all  centuries,  these  treasures  con- 
sist in  the  doctrines  of  wisdom,  virtue,  morality,  duty,  good  habits,  patriotism,  liberty  &c.  These 
treasures  are  now  almost  lost  to  the  bulk  of  the  people,  by  want  of  a  systematical  direct 
teaching  of  the  philosophy  of  the  same,  that  is  to  say,  by  want  to  engage  into  the  discourse 
and  dissection  of  the  certain  objects,  by  want  of  penetration  into  the  merits  of  the  same, 
and  to  establish  the  truth  or  the  reality,  by  a  reasonable  logic,  and  with  an  undeniable 
certainty. 

In  the  second  place,  this  problem  consists  in  the  education  of  an  elevated  national  charac- 
ter, say,  to  cause  a  man,  by  way  of  direct  instruction,  and  by  means  of  inspiration,  habitu- 
ally to  become  inclined,  constantly  to  strive  for  perfection  in  every  action  of  his  life,  and  to 
live  according  to  the  demands  of  wisdom,  honesty,  good  habits,  morality,  patriotism,  &c. 

The  destination  of  mankind,  and  the  natural  desire  of  men,  is  the  enjoyment  of  such  an 
real  happiness,  as  is  to  be  acquired  by  self-perfection.  The  natural  lever  of  self-perfection 
is  an  inspirited  state  of  the  mind.  The  way  to  cause  a  man  to  get  into  this  inspirated  state, 
is  to  enlighten  his  reason  by  way  of  instruction,  and  by  way  of  this  means,  to  give  him 
knowledge  and  conviction,  in  what  blessedness  pure  and  positive  happiness  is  consisting ; 
which  knowledge  and  conviction  in  retum,  will  create  in  himself  a  desire  to  come  in  posses- 
sion of  such  a  blessing,  and  the  better  the  instruction  has  been,  the  more  ardent  and  con- 
stant will  be  his  endeavor  for  nobility,  self-perfection  and  happiness. 

But  the  knowledge  and  appreciation  of  the  philosophy  of  wisdom  and  other  noble  doc- 
trines, is  not  the  only  means  to  inspire  a  man  for  a  noble  life  ;  the  knowledge  and  penetra- 
tedness  of  the  philosophy  of  the  various  human  faults,  errors  and  vices,  have  the  same  effect. 
The  reason  of  a  man  is  susceptible  for  the  enlightenment  on  the  internal  nature  of  good  as 
well  as  of  bad  deeds,  of  human  sins  and  errors  ;  is  to  be  enlightened  on  the  sources,  pro- 
gress and  ends  of  the  different  vices,  passions,  sinliness,  bad  kabits  and  meanness  ;  is  to  be 
enlightened  on  the  certain  worldly,  as  well  as  eternal  doom  of  all  dishonesty,  selfishness,  in- 
justice, baseness,  bad  habits  and  all  other  causes  of  worldly  as  well  as  spiritual  unhappiness; 
and' further,  the  certain  consequences  of  these  faults,  are  to  be  proven  with  an  undeniable 
certainty. 

On  the  foundation  which  should  be  laid  in  public  schools,  the  Church  is  able  to  continue 
the  spiritual  building,  by  teaching  the  philosophy  of  the  doctrines  of  religion,  taking  this 
word  in  its  true  sense,  say  in  the  living  with  God,  in  all  human  actions  and  pursuits.  The 
fundamental  (and  certainly  true,  though  in  its  general  expression  not  quite  perfect)  princi- 
ple of  the  Church,  is,  that  the  human  spirit  is  a  part  of  God,  that  his  existence  is  eternal  and 
is  destined  to  perfection,  therefore  that  all  human  actions,  may  they  be  important  or  insig- 
nificant, have  a  bearing  on  the  merits  of  our  eternal  spirit,  and  are  either  holy  or  loaded 
with  curses. 

Should  it  be  plain,  that  these  ideas,  briefly  stated  in  the  foregoing  discourse,  are  in  con- 
formity with  the  truth  (reality)  then  the  failure  of  the  education  in  the  public  schools,  as 
well  as  the  natural  consequences  thereof  are  proven,  then  the  desolution  of  the  problem,  to 
find  out  a  correct  method  to  promote  general  happiness  is  intimated,  and  the  means  to  in- 
spire a  people  for  a  noble  life  are  indicated,  and  the  way  to  educate  a  noble  and  elevated 
moral  national  character,  is  shown. 


It  appears  that  in  onr  present  time,  the  youthful  mind  of  the  children,  is  very  defectively 
inspired  tor  nobility  and  wisdom,  and  in  our  public  schools  the  touching  of  philosophy  ftp- 
pears  to  be  dismissed  at  all.  The  children  when  they  leave  the  daily  school,  are  generally 
in  the  best  disposition  to  do  wrong  and  mischief,  they  are  indecent,  loose  and  wild,  and  some- 
times even  steal,  lie  and  cheat,  when  only  they  can  do  it  with  impunity.  In  general  the 
children  are  looseing  their  conscience  in  their  early  youth,  and  their  abhorrence  against 
wrong,  they  soon  become  indifl'erent,  and  it  requires  but  little  influence  to  make  them  trai- 
tors to  a  good  cause. 

Money. 

Money  is  the  eqnivalance  of  national  property,  it  is  issued  by  the  government  of  a  nation, 
and  delivered  over  to  another  party,  in  payment  of  property  (including  precious  metal)  or 
labor,  received  and  contracted  for  ;  it  is  issued  and  delivered  in  the  quality  as  an  equiva- 
lance  for  the  value  of  said  property  or  labor.  This  issue  of  money^and  the  delivery  of  the 
same,  constitutes  a.s  a  transaction,  the  evidence  of  the  existence  and  fulfillment  of  a  con- 
tract, between  these  parties,  as  well  as  a  loan  made  by  the  nation  ;  in  which  transaction  the 
nation  is  the  debtor,  and  the  receiver  or  possessor  of  the  money,  the  creditor.  Money  is 
like  a  deed,  it  is  an  evidence  of  ownership  of  a  certain  part  of  national  property. 

The  property  of  a  nation  may  amount  to  billions  of  dollars,  and  this  amount  may  be  cut 
up  in  as  many  shares  or  deeds,  which  in  whole  or  in  part,  may  be  given  in  payment  for  re- 
ceived property,  performed  labor,  &c.,  contracted  for  by  the  parties,  or  in  exchange  for  gold 
and  silver. 

An  insolvency  of  a  nation,  on  account  of  the  scarcity  of  money  in  the  public  treasury,  can 
not  ensue,  as  long  as  the  holders  of  the  money  are  citizens  of  the  nation,  and  as  such  are 
equally  liable  for  a  proportional  contribution  to  the  wants,  expenditures  and  debts  of  the 
nation. 

In  respect  to  the  validity  of  a  deed,  it  can  make  no  difference  out  of  what  material  the 
same  is  made,  may  a  deed  be  written  on  plain  paper,  or  may  it  be  manufactured  out  of  gold 
or  silver,  the  validity  of  the  debt  is  in  no  way  affected  by  the  circumstance.  The  same  re- 
lationship exists  in  respect  to  the  money,  may  this  money  be  made  out  of  paper,  or  out  of 
precious  metal,  the  validity  of  the  same  is  unaltered,  it  constitutes  and  remains  an  evidence 
of  the  ownership  of  a  part  of  the  national  property. 

However  there  is  a  difference  in  the  value  and  validity  of  the  money,  in  so  far  as  the  in- 
trinsic legal  value  of  the  precious  metal  is  concerned,  which  intrinsic  value  is  recognized 
not  only  by  the  home  government,  bat  also  by  foreign  nations.  Wherefore  the  owners  of 
metal  money,  have  a  double  security,  they  own  a  legal  evidence  of  the  ownership  of  a  part 
of  the  national  property,  and  the  legal  intrinsic  value  of  the  monoy. 

The  existent  intrinsic  value  of  the  metal  money  however,  is  based  on  no  higher  security, 
than  those  simple  evidences  of  the  ownership  of  a  part  of  the  national  property,  both  are 
resting  on  one  and  the  same  authority  and  sovereignty.  Would  a  nation  usurp  the  reign  of 
arbitrariness,  and  set  aside  its  Constitution,  as  also  accomplished  contracts,  then  with  the 
same  violence  the  one  quality  of  the  money  could  be  destroyed,  by  the  same  power  colild  be 
destroyed  the  other. 

In  respect  to  the  precious  metal,  this  metal  as  far  as  it  is  uncoined  would  lose  its  value,  as 
the  same  is  almost  quite  dispensable  for  domestic  use. 

Now,  as  this  precious  metal  in  its  enormous  artificial  and  fictitious  value,  is  used  by  a  na- 
tion to  make  of  the  same  evidences  of  ownership  of  a  part  of  the  national  property,  the 
question  arises,  what  is  the  true  policy  to  be  adopted  by  a  nation,  in  the  way  of  manufactu- 
ring its  currency  ?  Is  it  proper  to  continue  the  present  mode,  by  using  the  metal  at  an  enor- 
mous and  unnecessary  public  expense?  Is  it  a  wise  policy  to  levy  taxes,  and  to  contract 
public  debts,  for  the  defrayment  of  public  expenditures,  whilst  the  condition  of  the  national 
property  and  the  public  resources,  fully  afford  to  use  paper  for  the  manufacturing  of  money 
evidences. 

But  here  the  question  may  arise,  if  it  would  be  constitutional  to  abolish  the  nse  of  the 
precious  metal  in  the  manufacturing  of  money,  however,  would  this  objection  hold  good  for 
the  wilful  continuance  of  sacrificing  the  true  interest  of  the  nation,  and  of  ruining  the  pros- 
perity of  the  majority  of  the  people  ?  Will  it  hold  good  in  face  of  the  fact,  that  such  an  at- 
tempt never  had  been  intended  by  the  framers  of  the  Constitution  ?  In  face  of  the  fact,  that 
there  are  ample  means  to  enlighten  the  people  on  this  subject.  In  face  of  the  fact,  that  a 
reformation  in  respect  to  this  matter,  is  required  in  a  time,  when  the  love  of  property  is  ar- 
dent, and  the  burthen  of  taxation  is  overwhelming,  and  the  intellect  of  the  people  so 
cultivated. 

The  DPress. 

A  political  body  in  relation  to  humanity,  is  resembling  a  citizen,  in  his  relation  to  tho  na- 
tion. Has  a  citizen  offended  the  society,  he  finds  his  judging  government  in  the  national 
courts.  Has  a  political  body  in  its  corporateness  sinned,  it  finds  its  judging  government  in 
the  attributes  of  human  nature,  say  in  sound  reason,  and  in  the  universal  sympathy  for  jus- 
tice, right  and  truth.  In  the  same  way,  as  it  is  proper  for  an  errant  citizen  honestly  to  admit 
his  errors  and  faults,  and  to  make  a  clear  breast  before  the  proper  courts  ;  in  the  same  way 
it  is  proper  for  a  political  body,  in  its  corporateneas,  to  admit  its  short-comings,  against  over- 
sound  human  reason,  and  the  universal  sympathy  for  truth  and  justice. 

The  injuries  caused  by  the  short-comings  and  sins  of  a  political  society  in  its  corporateness 
may  exist,  for  instance,  in  the  cancers  of  culpable  ignorance,  in  the  prevailance  of  destruc- 


r    8.    | 

tive  principles,  in  an  universal  hypocrisy,  in  impure  influence,  in  slavish  dependency  on 
patronization  and  favors,  in  wornieatenness  and  selfishness  of  the  national  character.  Al- 
lowing that  such  cancers  were  existing  more  or  less,  it  is  to  be  considered,  that  there  is  no 
evil  in  the  world  by  which  a  remedy  is  not  secreted. 

The  printing  press  is  the  true  bulwark  of  liberty,  and  particularly  in  a  time  when  the  free- 
will of  mankind  is  chained  by  predominate  evils.  By  means  of  the  press,  hundreds  of  thou- 
sands of  papers  can  be  printed  at  any  time,  and  be  distributed  among  the  people  in  various 
ways,  a-i  for  instance,  in  the  way  of  the  so  called  "  tracts."  By  means  of  the  press,  the  hid- 
den truth  can  be  brought  to  light,  and  those  destructive  cancers,  which  are  infecting  the 
political  body  in  its  corporateness,  can  be  removed,  or  caused  to  disappear  painless,  like 
snow  before  the  sun. 

ii,  is  true,  the  weakness  and  wickedness  of  the  human  heart,  is  an  heavy  weight  in  the  scale 
of  a  national  life.  It  is  true,  that  habits  and  customs,  that  improper  influence,  sophistic  and 
cunningness,  in  connection  with  credulity,  ignorance  and  prejudices,  are  powerful  elements, 
nevertheless  the,  demands  of  humanity  and  the  natural  self  love,  are  by  far  superior. 

Human  reason  is  universal,  its  principles  are  alike  in  all  men;  mankind  has  the  power  to 
discern  right  from  wrong,  and  the  developed  truth  (reality)  is  clear,  as  well  as  the  love  of 
properit  y  and  happiness  is  engraved  in  the  human  mind,  and  the  sympathy  for  honesty  and 
justice,  and  the  abhorrence  for  evil  deeds  is  not  to  be  extirpated. 

On  the  other  side,  injustice  and  wrong  are  revolting  in  their  nature,  are  doomed  with  the  germ 
of  destruction,  and  are  bound  to  create  distrust  and  contempt.  The  presence  and  a  pre- 
vailance  of  errors  and  wrongs,  is  bound  to  cause  an  accumulation  of  elements,  very  in- 
flamable  and  dangerous  in  their  character.  Such  an  accumulation  may  lay  harmless  for  a 
AS  hole  period  of  years,  when  not  brought  in  contact  with  the  proper  igniting  matter,  but 
when  they  are  left  to  their  own  fate,  or  when  false,  or  wicked  preventive  measures  are  re- 
sorted to,  then  they  may  catch  fire,  and  explode  at  a  time,  when  an  explosion  is  least  expec- 
ted, ;ind  by  the  most  trilling  cause. 

It  only  wants  merely  to  allude  to  the  important  sphere  which  is  assigned  to  the  printing 
press,  in  order  to  show  the  great  influence  which  she  is  able  to  bring  to  bear. 

But  in  commenting  on  the  press,  it  would  be  unjustifiable,  to  pass  in  silence,  the  demeanor 
of  the  newspaper  press  in  our  time. 

There  appears  to  be  a  certain  sphere  of  action,  inside  of  which  the  newspaper  press  invari- 
ably is  moving  ;  this  sphere  appears  to  be  an  inheritance,  or  a  contagious  disease,  transpor- 
ted from  former  times,  and  sustained  or  tolerated,  by  the  influential  class  of  citizens.  The 
said  sphere  or  circle,  is  by  no  means  limited,  it  comprises  the  discussion  of  all  topics  of 
knowledge,  learning,  all  political  news  and  affairs  on  the  one  side,  and  fully  excludes  the 
mentioning  or  discussing  of  all  such  matters  and  principles,  in  which  the  interest  of  the  in- 
fluential class  is  concerned,  on  the  other  side,  wherefore  all  benefits  which  were  bound  to 
issue  from  the  mentioning,  discussing  and  eventual  reformation  of  these  ruling  principles  as 
far  as  these  political  leaders  are  concerned,  are  perfectly  in  a  dead  lock. 

In  order  to  vindicate  this  opinion,  it  may  suffice  to  allude  to  those  ruling  principles,  which 
are  governing  taxation  and  public  education,  principles  on  which  the  happiness  and  prosperi- 
ty of  the  people  are  hinging,  but  which  are  never  properly  mentioned  or  discussed  by  the 
editors  of  the  newspaper  press. 

The  i|!iostion  is,  what  are  the  motives  of  this  strange  conduct?  l>oes  it  occur  to  the  edi- 
tors, that  they  never  have  given  a  thought  to  these  matters,  but  al\v;iys  have  been  following 
the  foot. -4e ps  and  examples  of  their  cotemporaries?  or  have  they  been  in  fear  to  fall  in  dis- 
grace with  the  influential  class  of  citizens?  ,0r  it  may  be  asked,  did  they  not  perceive  at  all, 
that,  such  important  questions  were  in  existence,  or  did  they  start  from  the  supposition  that 
those  ruling  principles,  governing  the  taxation  and  education  of  the  dear  people,  were  in 
sueli  perfection,  that  a  discussion  and  investigation  of  the  matter,  or  even  a  doubt  on  the 
infallibility  of  the  same,  would  be  a  sin  or  a  crime? 

This  strange  demeanor  of  the  newspaper  press,  is  not  accounted  for.  However  it  is  easily 
to  be  seen,  that  said  principles  which  are  governing  the  most  important  interests  of  a  nation, 
are  erroneous  and  disasterous  in  a  high  degree.  lit  is  no  secret  that  the  rich  citizens  are  es- 
c;i]>i:ig  the  payment  of  their  fair  share  to  the  public  expenditures,  and  that  from  this  cause, 
the  hulk  of  the  people  are  groaning  under  the  burthen  of  taxation. 

In  respect  to  the  prevailing  system  of  public  education,  it  is  not  to  be  misapprehended, 
that  under  the  rule  ef  this  system,  the  character  of  the  present  generation  has  become  piti- 
fully defective  and  wormeaten.  It  is  no  secret  that  the  philosophy  of  wisdom,  virtue,  duty, 
morality,  liberty,  good  habits,  &c.,  are  not  taught  systematically  in  public  schools  and  insti- 
tutions, perhaps  it  is  not  taught  at  all.  It  is  not  to  be  proven,  that  those  objects  which  are 
taught  instead  of  them,  are  more  tending  to  educate  good  and  wise  men.  and  to  effect  the 
building  of  an  elevated  national  character. 

The  newspaper  press  in  our  time,  is  in  general  conducted  with  a  marked  intelligence,  learn- 
ing and  hair-splitting  ability,  together  with  boldness  and  licentiousness.  These_ qualities  in 
their  combined  state,  are  tending  to  mislead  the  people  in  its  confidence,  and  its  judgment  on 
the  merits  of  this  press,  because  human  nature  hesitates  to  believe,  that  by  the  presence  of 
such  prominent  qualities,  and  by  the  display  of  so  much  patriotism  and  love  of  country,  the 
presence  of  inditternntisn,  impurity  or  corruption  can  exist. 

But  in  justice  to  the  said   press  it  must  be  allowed,  that  constantly  important  and  prais 
worthy  acts  have   been  performed  by  the  same,  as  also  it  must  be  presumed,  that  a  great 
many  editors  do  not  understand  the  times  themselves,  and  that  even  if  they  did,  they  would 
be  at  a  loss,  how  to  find  the  proper  and  wise  way  to  bring  about  a  reformation  on  such  im- 


I      9.      ] 

portant  matters  :  and  indeed,  it  appears,  that  it  is  by  far  better,  not  to   meddle  at  all  with 
important  national  questions,  because  tin-  peace  of  the  country,  cannot  atlbrd  to  have  bhm- 
.uumiUed  in  the  treatment  of  affairs,  which  only  .should  be  taken  in  hand  by  prominent, 
competent  and  patriotic  citizens. 

In  general,  however,  it  cannot  be  expected,  that  common  editors  of  newspapers,  are  apt 
easily  to  change  their  character  from  a  hireling  quality  into  a  patriotic  one.  And  in  view  of 
the  past  history  of  the  newspaper  press,  it  is  hardly  to  be  supposed,  that  patriotism  will  ever 
be  dearer  to  them,  than  self  interest,  that  even  a  prospective  downfall  of  a  nation,  the  bar- 
barities ot  a  rebellion,  or  of  anarchy,  will  induce  them  to  teach  in  proper  time  the  philoso- 
phy of  public  justice,  wisdom  and  truth,  they  will  hardly  do  so,  as  long  as  sophistry,  culpa- 
ble neglect  of  study,  the  assumption  of  an  air  of  simplicity,  will  be  the  most  profitable  way 
for  them  to  pursue. 

Developement  of  IVational  [Resources. 

The  resources  of  a  nation  arc  the  true  born,  out  of  which  the  prosperity  of  the  society  is 
enu:na-ing,  therefore  the  greatest  possible  developement  of  the  same,  should  not  be  delayed 
for  one  moment,  in  order  to  unlock  those  benefits  which  are  bound  to  emanate  from  the 
game. 

These  national  resources  are  common  property,  and  the  developemedt  of  the  same  has  to 
be  performed  in  a  manner,  as  to  assign  the  greatest  benefit  to  the  majority  of  the  people. 

It  would  appear  that  the,  resources  of  a  nation  are  in  that  way,  as  to  permit  a  nation  or 
a  State  to  assume  the  quality  of  a  public  loan  institution,  for  the  purpose  to  enable  such 
citizens  as  are  owners  of  real  estate  property,  to  obtain  a  loan  from  their  State  on  said  prop- 
erty, free  from  the  charge  of  interest  money.  It  would  appear  that  the  said  property  could 
be  mortgaged  to  the  State  in  such  a  way,  as  to  give  a  perfect  security  to  the  State.  For 
instance  it  might  be  held,  that  this  security  would  be  in  existence  by  advancing  only  per- 
haps one-third  the  amount  of  the  whole  property,  on  first  mortgage,  and  if  it  should  be 
deemed  necessary,  more  clauses  for  the  security  of  the  State  could  be  added,  for  instance, 
there  could  be  made  provisions  for  the  re-payment  of  said  loan,  or  for  the  distribution  of 
eventual  losses  on  the  whole  number  of  participants. 

This  loan  could  be  paid  and  repaid  in  State  Treasury  Notes,  issued  for  this  porpose,  guar- 
anteed by  the  State,  and  received  in  payment  for  all  public  dues.  If  such  a  measure  should 
not  be  in  conformity  with  the  Constitution,  this  obstacle  could  be  removed. 

The  correctness  and  practicability  of  this  plan,  appears  to  be  plain,  provided  that  there 
would  bo  made  proper  explanations  to  the  people,  in  order  to  comprehend  the  existent  se- 
curity of  the  paper  money.  Until  the  contrary  of  the  correctness  and  practicability  of  the 
advanced  plan  can  be  shown,  the  validity  of  the  same  is  to  be  presumed. 

The  imminent  importance  of  the  suggested  system,  can  hardly  be  conceived  nor  over- 
rated. An  immense  amout  of  money  now  paid  for  interest  would  be  saved,  the  general  rate 
of  interest  on  money,  would  be  lowered  to  the  benefit  of  the  immense  majority  of  the  peo- 
ple. The  means  of  carrying  on  business  and  trade,  would  be  increased,  the  consumption  of 
all  articles  of  trade  would  be  promoted,  as  well  as  the  universal  prosperity  and  happiness  of 
families,  and  the  welfare  of  the  whole  society,  would  materially  be  enhanced. 

There  is  still  to  be  advanced  the  suggestion  of  another  plan,  likewise  bearing  on  the  de- 
velopement of  the  national  resources.  The  following  explanation  may  claim  the  attention 
of  our  statesmen. 

A  closer  observation  may  bring  to  light,  that  in  our  time  there  is  existing  in  the  different 
nations^o.  great  inclination  for  a  military  life.  Hundreds  of  thousands  of  people  constantly 
may  feel  themselves  disposed  to  engage  in  the  same. 

Now,  when  the  inclination  of  a  man's  character,  is  to  be  called  a  voice  or  a  harbinger  of 
a  man's  fate,  then  it  would  appear,  that  the  resources  of  a  nation,  when  properly  developed 
and  administrated,  would  alibrd  ample  means,  to  gratify  this  existent  inclination  of  the  na- 
tional character.  However  it  clearly  would  be  wrong,  dangerous  and  rejectable,  to  respond 
to  this^call,  in  the  way  of  f->-tering  an  animal  life,  or  the  abominable  barbarities  of  a  wilful 
war.  The  only  justifiable  and  beneficial  purpose  in  times  of  peace,  could  be  the  training  and 
educating  of  citizens  in  respect  to  a  moral  life,  say  to  a  life  in  accordance  with  the  demands 
of  human  duties,  the  training  and  educating  for  exerted  activity,  goo.]  habits,  strict  orderly 
and  a  more  civilized  life.  Which  might  be  carried  out  by  the  introduction  of  a  proper  super- 
vision, by  suitable  instruction,  by  the  giving  of  a  good  example,  and  perhaps  by  combining 
the  military  institution  with  a  faVming 'business. 

When  this  plan  should  prove  to  be  practicable,  then  it  is  obvious  that  the  result  of  the 
same  would  elevate  the  character  of  such  formidable  a  bodv  of  citizens,  and  give  employ- 
ment and  position  to  tin-  same,  affording  greater  public  security  by  sustaining  the  supremacy 
of  law  and  order,  be  a  terror  to  foreign  enemies,  andfiuallv  would  turn  in  the  society  a  valu- 
able element. 

Ideas. 

Logical  ideas,  when  they  are  in  conformity  with  the  truth  (reality)  and  facts,  possess  the 
quality  of  being  recognized  by  all  men,  provided  they  are  given  in  such  a  plainness,  as  being 
equal  to  the  intelligence  of  the  audience.  However  it  is  not  in  the  province  of  the  author 
to  judge  on  the  merits,  logic,  or  plainness  of  his  ideas,  in  as  far  as  other  parties  are  concerned. 

When  sucli  novel  ideas  as  are  involving  important  public  principles,  are  more  correct  and 
just,  than  those  which  are  in  vogue,  then  the  benefit  resulting  from  the  advancement  of  these 
ideas  is  meritorious  to  those  citizens  who  have  advanced  the  same,  which  performance  of 


duty  is  affording  to  them  an  everlasting  satisfaction.  This  satisfaction  cannot  be  lessened  in 
the  event,  when  prevailing  circumstances  will  not  allow  that  these  ideas  are  crowned  with 
the  merited  result.  The  most  dangerous  foe  to  ideas  is  the  treating  the  same  withignorantedness 
indifference,  passivity  and  silence.  Ideas  when  correct,  that  is  to  say,  when  in  accordance 
with  divine  nature,  are  not  to  be  destroyed,  the  more  hostle  they  are  treated,  the  more  suc- 
cessful they  will  be. 

Ideas  are  ruling  the  world,  but  they  are  human  productions,  and  as  such  have  no  more 
perfection  than  these.  There  is  nothing  more  perfect  and  infallible,  than  divine  nature  itself. 

Novel  ideas  involving  public  reformations  are  to  be  accepted,  and  to  be  treated  according 
to  the  importance  of  the  same,  they  have  to  be  investigated,  eventually  to  be  amended  and 
shaped. 

Ideas  which  have  been  adopted  in  former  times,  or  in  past  centuries,  may  have  been  con- 
sidered as  being  sublime  at  the  time  of  their  introduction,  but  out  of  this  reason,  they  are 
not  to  be  looked  upon  as  being  fit  to  rule  forever. 

If  by  the  presence  of  more  just  and  correct  ideas,  which  are  gained  by  study  and  experi- 
ence, the  rule  of  imperfect  ideas,  adopted  in  former  time,  would  be  kept  supreme,  then  all 
benefits  arising  from  the  more  correct  new  ideas,  would  be  locked  up. 

Ideas  involving  public  interests,  are  common  property  in  respect  to  the  results  which  are 
bound  to  eminate  from  the  same.  As  citizens  owe  faith  to  their  country,  they  are  by  duty 
bound  to  deliver  up,  accept  and  take  care  of  those  ideas,  and  make  the  best  of  it  for  the 
public  weal,  according  to  their  individual  situation.  A  concealment,  ignoring,  neglecting,  or 
abusing  the  same,  would  injure  the  interests  of  the  society,  and  make  those  dead  locks  in 
which  the  public  weal  is  captured,  permanent. 

Citizens  who  advance  new  ideas  of  great  national  importance,  may  do  the  country  as  great 
or  perhaps  still  greater  services  than  commanders  of  armies  who  are  gaining  battles.  But 
it  is  to  be  considered,  that  ideas  sometimes  have  the  quality  of  firebrands,  or  of  two  edged 
swords,  dangerous  in  the  hands  of  a  people  whose  character  is  defective,  or  when  advanced 
at  a  time  when  the  sentiment  of  a  people  is  not  prepared  for  the  reception  of  the  same,  or 
at  a  time  when  the  use  of  the  said  weapons,  could  not  be  controlled. 

The  Present  Time. 

The  present  time,  with  all  its  inventions,  intellect,  learning  and  wisdom,  with  all  its  short- 
comings, follies,  depravities,  miseries  and  barbarities,  is  the  heiress  of  former  times,  and  the 
mother  of  the  future.  Still  greater  miseries,  violence  and  barbarities  are  in  store,  and  are 
bound  to  ensue,  when  not  checked  in  time,  by  wisdom,  justice  and  reason. 

By  the  existing  intelligence  in  our  time,  there  appears  to  be  no  doubt,  that  solely  a  just 
reformation  in  the  relationship  of  the  wealthy  and  prominent  class  of  citizens,  the  unlocking 
and  developement  of  the  public  resources,  as  also  a  proper  enlightening  of  the  people,  are 
bound  to  cause  in  return,  the  existence  of  a.beneficial  sphere,  in  which  the  power  of  influ- 
ence would  be  moving,  and  in  consequence  of  this,  a  just  regulation  of  all  erroneous  princi- 
ples, which  presently  are  governing  the  affairs  and  situations  of  the  different  nations  would 
ensue. 

Only  in  such  a  nation  exists  real  security,  prosperity  and  happiness  in  all  classes  rich  and 
poor,  where  the  majority  of  the  people  is  good,  happy,  and  in  a  prosperous  condition.  In 
such  a  nation  there  exists  only  one  and  the  same  interest,  consisting  in  the  promotion  of  true 
and  unrestricted  civilization  as  well  as  in  the  promotion  of  the  supremacy  of  moral  justice 
and  right. 

Conclusion. 

Being  satisfied  that  in  our  present  time  real  happiness  of  mind  is  rather  scarce,  and  that 
worldly  prosperity  is  more  or  less  confined  to  the  minority  of  the  people,  I  have  made  it  my 
study  to  find  out  the  causes  of  this  deplorable  situation,  and  have  endeavored  to  discover 
proper  remedies  against  the  same. 

I  now  have  taken  the  liberty  to  deposit  the  results  of  my  unpretending  investigations  in 
the  present  communication.  Though  it  is  not  in  my  province  at  all,  to  claim  the  rendering 
of  a  valid  judgment  on  the  merits  of  my  own  ideas,  yet  it  would  be  to  me  a  matter  of  con- 
science to  permit  the  same  of  going  lost,  however  at  the  same  time,  and  in  consideration  of 
my  personal  situation,  I  think  myself  not  justified  to  give  full  publicity  to  the  same,  wherefore 
I  only  have  caused  the  printing  of  this  humble  communication,  in  a  very  limited  number  of 
copies,  and  specially  for  the  purpose  of  giving  prominent  citizens  occasion  to  investigate 
the  same. 

As  I  am  only  a  layman,  and  a  German  by  birth,  I  respectfully  beg  to  claim  a  kind  indul" 
genee  For  my  shortcomings. 

ALBERTUS  MEYERv 

OAKLAND^  Alameda  County,  State  of  California,  February  1863. 


